Lots of Work to Do! And its Fun to Do!

YSA Exchanges

This week we had exchanges with the Texas A&M sisters and so many miracles happened! We were able to learn from each other and we ended up teaching 12 lessons on campus in about 2 hours AND getting 2 new investigators! 

One of our new investigators name is Fidel. What we try to do on campus now is we ask if they know a mormon so that they have someone they can refer to and relate to. So I asked Fidel if he knew any mormons and he said, "ya. My cousin just got baptized a couple years ago in Houston." I usually don't ask who the person is, but I felt prompted to and he said, "Marcus Castro." I was taken off guard because Marcus Castro is the person that introduced Aieliaria to the church in my last area! #smallworld We had a great lesson with him later that day. He is really searching so keep him in your prayers!

This week we made a general conference board to invite people to listen to the prophet. We are going to be broadcasting it at the Institute building on Saturday with a lunch in between the sessions to have people come to. Are you ready for the best weekend ever? Conference!!! :)

Melting Pot of Experiences

Can I just say that I have the best of all the worlds in this area! Just a few great moments this week:

We were visiting a less active Spanish family in the ward and all the while Hermana Cuellar was making homemade fresh tortillas. As we were about to leave she asked us if we wanted a tortilla and we were very quick to respond, "YES!" And oh my! It was probably the best burrito I have had in my life! I love the spanish people. They have such big caring hearts and are always so giving.

We had a lesson with 2 new investigators yesterday, Dara and Jessica. They are black and love to party. But what was so funny was their language that they used. Just like the "turn up" or in our words, party, starts on Thursday nights. Or Jessica was so prideful of were she came from and Dara was making fun of her. Jessica turned to her and just said, "When someone asks where you are from don't you just get all krunk and ready to respond?" Houston is just the best.

But Dara and Jessica are having an internal battle within themselves because they know what is the right thing to do, but they are young and want to "have fun". We are working with them on that one! 

A great quote that I read this morning in personal study that relates to them and really to all of us: 

"'The greatest battles you will ever fight will be within the silent chambers of your heart.' That is the battleground between what you want and what the Lord wants. If you surrender, if the Lord wins, you win also. if you win, if your will prevails, you and the Lord both lose. The only way to win is to lose. Lose yourself in the Lord's work, and you will win beyond your wildest imaginations." - Lawrence E. Carbridge

Investigator teaches Missionaries

Matt is just so great! Before starting our lesson, he shared with us what he had learned in his studies before he met with us. (He studies for a couple hours every day in his scriptures). He was able to watch the CES devotional from Elder Christofferson and it was speaking just to him. He talked about giving up our desires and our hearts to the Lord even in times of tribulation. 

So anyways, during the talk Elder Christofferson talked about how Christ was like a "two-edged sword" and he wanted to know what that meant. So upon further studying in his scriptures he decided to read in Alma 17 about Ammon watching over the king's sheep and guarding them against the Lamanites. 

Alma 17: 36-38 reads:

36 But Ammon stood forth and began to cast stones at them with his sling; yea, with mighty power he did sling stones amongst them; and thus he slew a certain number of them insomuch that they began to be astonished at his power; nevertheless they were angry because of the slain of their brethren, and they were determined that he should fall; therefore, seeing that they couldnot hit him with their stones, they came forth with clubs to slay him.

 37 But behold, every man that lifted his club to smite Ammon, he smote off their arms with his sword; for he did withstand their blows by smiting their arms with the edge of his sword, insomuch that they began to be astonished, and began to flee before him; yea, and they were not few in number; and he caused them to flee by the strength of his arm.

 38 Now six of them had fallen by the sling, but he slew none save it were their leader with his sword; and he smote off as many of their arms as were lifted against him, and they were not a few.

He then explains how the Lamanites had clubs and Ammon had a sword. He said, "Why would Ammon, a servant, have a sword? In relation to Elder Christofferson, sword = Christ and club = Satan. And so he told us that from this he learned that Satan can't kill us. He just tries to beat us down, while Christ can help us to drive Satan away. When we have Christ in our lives and ask for his help we have the more powerful weapon to fight against Satan. 

I had NEVER looked at that story in that way and the spirit was so strong as he shared his testimony. Ammon is one of his favorite stories in the Book of Mormon and I think it is becoming one of my favorites now too :)

Hearts are softened

Matt was so ready for his baptism and so excited. He sent us the sweetest message the morning of his baptism in how much he loves everyone and how grateful he is for them and how excited they are for him.

His parents were able to come and I wanted the program and environment to be conducive to the spirit so that they would be able to feel it.

We started off with some great songs, prayers, and scriptures. He was then baptized and the spirit was strong. We walked back into the Relief Society room to share testimonies while we waited for him to change. (He was beaming from ear to ear and couldn't stop laughing). The spirit was so strong as we had about 4 members of our branch who are the only members in their family share their testimony. Sister Hoj then gave a great talk on the Holy Ghost and Matt received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Afterwards he hugged his parents. It was really special. 

We went to talk and thank his mom and dad for coming to his baptism. His mom was so sweet. Her heart was already softened and she started tearing up as she thanked us for all that we had done. We told her, "Thank you! We learned so much for Matt and we are thankful for the wonderful parents you are." She just started to cry and said, "I'm just so happy he isn't part of that fraternity anymore... they were not good influences." We laughed a bit.

Matt just couldn't stop smiling and smiling. I can't wait for the future ahead for him and how much he is going to bring to our branch. He told us the next day that his mom texted him and said, "I'm so happy we are on the same side." I know that meant a lot to Matt and what is even greater is that she wants to watch General Conference and hear the prophet speak! The spirit softens hearts! :)

And guess who is coming to meet Jessica and Dara at our next lesson? Matt! He is going to share his story about opposition and how the gospel has brought him the most happiness in his life!

The Church is true! Love y'all!

Sister Loo

Antique Shopping Finds

With the Bearkat on Campus with Sister McLean

Muddin' in our Jeep

Can you spot the goats on the porch? #countrylife

Momma Lesa! :) 

Matt's Baptism

In the country at Night with the Stars 

Country signs :)

The gospel brings more Smiles!

The Spirit softens hearts

On saturday we had stopped by earlier in the day to check on a less active lady we had never met before but she wasn't home. Then on our way back from dinner we passed by her house and I noticed that there was a light on inside. So I told Hermana Hoj to stop and we knocked on the door again. 

A lady came from around the side and introduced herself. We did some small chatting and then she told us that she usually doesn't answer but she saw us smiling on her doorstep and couldn't ignore us. She invited us in and we got to talking and getting to know her. Some time went by and I didn't know if we should just get to know her or bring up the gospel but Heavenly Father showed us a tender mercy and the conversation soon turned into a spiritual topic.

She then opened up to us in how she doesn't feel comfortable coming to church and we talked about Repentance and Forgiveness; how Heavenly Father grants forgiveness for anything that we may have done in the past and how the Atonement helps to move us forward. She was so sweet and told us that she usually doesn't open up to people. She was like, "My brother would be really jealous right now at the conversation we are having." And then she stopped and said, "You know what? I just love you two." I was on the verge of tears and the spirit was SO strong! In the short amount of time that we had been talking to her, I had grown a deep love for her as well! We now call her Mama Lesa. I'm really excited to keep visiting and working with her on coming to church. #miracles

Bees

So for some reason the bees just love us here... I'm still trying to decide if they are little workers from Satan or blessings from Heavenly Father. I don't know? Not sure what to think about that. But everywhere we go... bee. We talk to someone... bee. But we haven't gotten any stings yet so thank goodness!

Investigator Updates

Gabby has been taught all the lessons and is praying about baptism. She is 16 and has some concerns about being the only member in her family. She loves the scriptures and reads every night but doesn't feel like she is ready. She wants to make sure that she doesn't give up and that this is something that she for sure wants to do. She is so sweet and I know that she is ready! Please pray for her!

Matt is getting baptized this upcoming week and he told us that his parents decided to come, not because they support him but because they love him. He is going through a lot of opposition with them and it doesn't even phase him. Every time he goes home his dad has an outline of anti-mormon stuff that he gives to him and Matt just ignores all of it. He uses the spiritual experiences he has as what he calls a "cushion" to lean back on. He is just so strong! 

He is always so happy and he himself notices the change that he has made. He loves being around the members and loves coming to Institute and to the activities. He says that he watches Mormon Messages or listens to the scriptures walking on his way to class. He said, "I'm sure people just think I'm so weird... like who is this guy that is just smiling all the time." His favorite Mormon Message is The Hope of God's Light. It is SO good. If you haven't watched it, here is the link: http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=3701964025001

I'm so thankful for his wonderful example. The gospel changes us and it should continue to change us. As we receive more light into our lives, our smiles become bigger and we become happier! 

The church is true! 

Love,

Hermana Loo

Cold Front brings 70 degree weather...

...so we had to pull out the scarves!

In the country back dirt roads and horses!

Contacting on Campus

HOLA! Soy HERMANA LOO! :)

Huntsville, TX...

(Home of the Texas State Prison Museum and where 75% of the people live in trailers)

So... I got transferred to a new area in Huntsville, Texas where the joke is that there are more cows than people and 8 state prisons! (Don't worry mom, no big deal that there's one that holds death row convicts right next to the college... who planned that?) 

It is a small college town with Sam Houston State University and reminds me a lot of Cedar City. There are actually a lot of trees and hills here. YAY! This place is so unique and interesting and I have already fallen in LOVE with the area and people. It's so great!

No one can get away from these sisters... Aint nobody off the hook because we can talk to everyone... LITERALLY. Spanish, English, YSA, old or young.There is so much opportunity and room for growth. I am so excited for the work in this area! 

We are over a YSA branch and the family ward Spanish and English speaking. I feel like I am in church all day which is SO awesome! I was so nervous about being in a family ward because I love the quiet sacrament meetings, but this ward is majority old people so it is still quiet! AND i get two quiet sacrament meetings! The best of all the worlds! Can I just say again how much I love this area! :)

Soy la Hermana Loo

My new companera es Hermana Hoj. She is from Holiday, Utah and we actually came out at the same time and will be going home at the same time. We are Sister Training Leader's together and I am so excited to work with her. She is going to be teaching me Spanish. I'm excited because she speaks really well and so I know that she will be an excellent teacher. She is also a great missionary and I know there will be many miracles in the future!

We... or more... Hermana Hoj has taught a couple of lessons in Spanish. I was able to share my testimony and ask a couple of questions however. I also understand and comprehend a lot. I think that the Portuguese helps a little but the pronunciation is totally different which will take some time getting used to. 

After one of the lessons, Herman Hoj had to use the bathroom and I thought to myself, "Ok. This is gonna be awkward. I'm not just going to sit in silence with the member that we are visiting." So I just opened my mouth and tried to ask a question about how many years she lived in Huntsville.... and she got it & kept talking and talking away. 

I was pretty proud of myself but know that there is so much more studying and praying that needs to happen on my end to get this language. After trying to concentrate on learning and understanding people I get the worst headaches... haha 

Because of Him

This week we went on campus (there are about 19,000 undergraduate students) with a big white board and at the top of it was the question... What has Jesus Christ done for you? We stood at a busy part on campus and asked people if they had time to answer a question and gave them a 3x5 notecard to write on. We got so many wonderful responses, people kept saying "Everything." "Where do I start?" It was so awesome to hear all of their responses as Christ has helped with every situation and personally for each one of us. It was such a testimony builder. We also got some funny responses too. Like, "He gave me beautiful hair." That one was from a guy... But we were able to have some really great conversations with students and then invite them to Institute for "Bible Study" and dinner. We hope to be able to get more students there!

We hope that in the future when we get Ipads we will be able to show the student the Because of Him video alongside with this contacting technique. If you haven't watched it yet. Do it. The spirit is so strong each and every time I watch it and I've watched it so many times. 

https://www.lds.org/youth/video/because-of-him?lang=eng

We also had some great contacts on campus with students. We have found 2 students already from the two days who have met with missionaries and who were debating on still taking the lessons. We hope to be able to start teaching them. 

We also have been able to contact people who have already had contact with the church. For example, one girl has a grandma who is a member and another has a best friend who is serving a mission right now! I'm telling you, there are so many great things in store for this area!

It's so funny because I want to get my hair braided again because I notice that the things that I talk to people about is their hair and their shoes so that I can start a conversation with them. Do you think president will let me do it again because it would be an awesome finding tool? haha.

Applying Before Even Learning the Principle

Matt is an investigator here and he is getting baptized!!! He is seriously too great--so so prepared it's unreal. So this week we taught him the Word of Wisdom and he pretty much taught us. We introduce the topic and ask him if he knew anything about it. He told us he did, that he actually just learned about it from his friend Darrin (the member that referred him to us). He told us that this last summer he smoked every day and would drink too, however when he started meeting with us and learning about the gospel he felt as if he shouldn't anymore. He said each time he went to smoke or drink it felt wrong and he decided to stop doing it. 

Then two days later, Darrin started talking to him about the Word of Wisdom, they read D&C 89, and he straight up stopped cold turkey! He told us that he doesn't want to jeopardize losing the knowledge he is gaining or slow down his progress by smoking and drinking! It was so incredible that he had already gained a testimony of the Word of Wisdom before he even learned of it.

 He told us he was with friends and they offered him something to smoke--he turned it down. Then a little while later they offered it to him again--he turned it down. Then they offered it to him a third time--he turned it down and left! He is so amazing and so prepared! 

I feel so blessed to work with him! Then he accepted baptism and chose to be baptized on September 20th, so please keep him in your prayers!! He is going up against so much opposition, but he is soaking in everything he is learning and he knows it is true! But what is even cooler is that he is applying it all too! We are sooo excited for him! 

Love Y'all! 

Herman Loo

Because of Him Campus Contacting...

The Elders made some really cool oversized bible and book of mormon from cardboard

Cowboy Church...gidee up!

Huntsville...one more prison...7 more to go....

Safari Adventure!

We went on a "Safari Ride" at one of our member's homes.

They have 500 acres or so of land and so we stand in the back of the truck as he drives through it all!  

Do you think we have enough locks on our door?

New apartment in Huntsville... Maybe because of all the prisons? :) 

Matching one last time! I'm going to miss Sister Huber So much! 

Saying goodbye to the people of Sam Houston... 

These are a Few of my Favorite Things!

Transfers

So... Earlier this week I was pretty sure that I was getting transferred but I wanted the confirmation from the Assistants. But, Saturday night I was freaking out about packing because I hate packing... so i just decided to start. Good thing I'm getting transferred because that would have been embarrassing. 

I'm really excited for a new area but sad to leave the wonderful people that I've met here. Working with YSA's has been amazing! They have such strong testimonies and a desire to do missionary work and fellowship! I'm also really sad to leave Sister Huber. She is such a great missionary and we have become really good friends.

Miguel the Communist

We were able to meet with our Investigator Miguel twice this week. Once on exchanges with Sister Fullmer and then yesterday. He is such a funny kid. Before we met, I gave sister Fullmer a heads up that he claims he is a "communist" but he more believes in equality and love in the world... more on the lines of Law of Consecration. But he doesn't know that term... yet. 

So when she met him she asked, "So Miguel, tell me about yourself!" And the first things out of his mouth... "I'm a communist." Oh dear...

I told him that I was going to most likely get transferred an he was so sad. He said such a thoughtful prayer at the end, and I was about to cry! 

He is so smart and really thinks and responds when we ask him questions. We were able to have a thoughtful discussion with him yesterday about prayer, faith, and enduring to the end. We had invited him before to pray about a baptismal date but he said he hadn't done so.

So sister Huber asked, "well can we pray right now and ask?" So he said once again another thoughtful prayer asking Heavenly Father when he would be ready to be baptized so he could by the proper authority. He gives such awesome prayers that are so thoughtful! The spirit was so strong! We set a date for him to be baptized on October 10th! 

Recent Convert Updates

We had a lesson with KP last night and he started the lesson asking us what we learned at church! He was the one teaching us! It was so awesome! He has such a strong testimony! I'm sad that he is too old to go on a mission, but he did attend mission prep last night! :)

Danielle is the Relief Society Secretary! 

Viet fed us dinner on Friday night. He is the sweetest! He is staying strong and standing tall as he defends his faith!

YSA moment

We had a lesson with a new investigator, Edward, who I met on exchanges when we invited him to join a lesson with Miguel... that didn't work out so well so we made an appointment with him later in the day.

Pretty sure the cup he was drinking from had beer in it... haha.

He was a talker but as I spoke about Joseph Smith his whole countenance changed and the spirit was so strong. He was completely engaged and loved the story. He even came to church yesterday!

At the end, he offered a prayer and said. "Heavenly Father thank you for sending me these two beautiful ladies..." #YSAwardprobs

Carefully Passing the Sacrament

Yesterday David passed the sacrament for the first time at church. It was so cute watching him because he was so careful holding the trey with both hands and walking really slow.

Thinking back on it now, what a great example he set for all of us. How careful he was with the bread and water that represents Christ's body and blood. The covenants we make at baptism and then renewed through the sacrament are sacred and need to be taken "carefully" each sunday as we remember our Savior's sacrifice for us.

Love y'all! 

Sister Loo

Golfing at Top Golf with Kevin, Frank, The Assistants, and the Sam Houston 1st Sisters! 

Texas Sunsets Part II 

I Stand All Amazed at the Love Jesus Proffers Me

Gratitude

I just want to start off this week by expressing my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the many blessings that he has given me. As I have been helping those around me deal with abuse, drugs, alcohol, and divorce I realize how blessed I am to have such a wonderful family. 

A family who supports me and who helps me to become the daughter of God that I need to be. That is why the gospel blesses families. As we strive to live the commandments and push each other to reach our full potential, he will bless us and help us through our trials. As we build upon our foundations together, we will be able to withstand the spiritual whirlwinds that Satan throws our way. That is why Helaman 5:12 has become one of my favorite scriptures. 

"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon therock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

Baptisms for the Dead - Native American 

This week we were able to go to the temple and do baptisms for the dead with Kwaku for the first time. The temple president started with a mini devotional in the baptistry chapel and it was amazing! Everyone kept talking to him about serving a mission.

Then we went and sat waiting to do baptisms and Sister Huber and I were pondering our scriptures... all of a sudden we hear, Broken Arm. Sister Huber and I looked at eachother with confused faces like, "Are they being serious?" 

Well yes they were because next up were names like, Willie Big Head Man, Yellow Hair, Mister Sage Women, Red Hawk... We heard giggles from behind us and Kwaku couldn't help but crack a laugh and we couldn't help but laugh with him. But, after thinking about it I thought it was sooo cool! These were Native American names from tribes in Montana and South Dakota. The work is Hastening! Here on Earth and in the Spirit World. Everyone is being offered the opportunity to accept the gospel.

Atonement

At zone conference this week we received awesome training about the timeline of the Bible and the Book of Mormon. 

As we were discussing, I realized something about the Atonement that I haven't really thought about before. We were talking about how in the scriptures, God speaks 4 times. 

1. First Vision

2. Jesus Christ Baptism

3. When Jesus Christ appears to the people in the Americas in 3 Nephi 11

4. On the Mount of Transfiguration

These are the only times other than when Jesus Christ is speaking for Heavenly Father. As a result, through Christ we get to the Father. Because Jesus Christ ransomed us or "bought" us with his blood, we answer to Him. He is now our Judge. He is justice personified. 

I am so thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ and because of his sacrifice, we are able to communicate with Heavenly Father and once again return to live with him again.

Love y'all!

Sister Loo

Saying goodbye to some of our awesome Summer Fellowshippers

YSA wards - the best wards!

Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make me a Match

So the perks of being in a YSA ward is that you don't have to date or be in the dating drama, but you get to hear all about it. And you also get to make predictions on who in the ward would go really well with eachother. 

We have a member in our ward who just recently broke up with her boyfriend and has been so depressed. She asked if she could come out with us to teach and go to lessons. So... we called a guy in our ward who we thought she would go perfectly with... and ba-BAM! They are going on a date this week! Sister Huber and I should open up a dating consultancy! ;)

Bike Exchanges

Friday I went on exchanges with Sister Sheldon in the Wheatstone ward... on bike. To say it was Hot was an understatement. We went tracting and like 5 people asked us if we wanted water on one street... which never happens. We found out it was 105 degrees with I'm guessing 100% humidity. I don't even want to know what the heat index was at.

We were able to come up with some different finding ideas and taught 6 lessons to random people in their homes and in the Kroger grocery store parking lot. President Mortensen has been encouraging us to contact and invite 25 people every day to learn and so you become pretty creative in where and how to get those contacts each day... also very awkward sometimes but hey I'm a missionary!

We had dinner with a family and afterwards we shared a message with them by the pool! We put our feet in the water as the kids were swimming, don't exactly know if that was against the rules, but it was so nice to cool off!

And then back on the bike! We had a 45 minute bike ride home... needless to say I slept real good that night and woke up really sore the next morning!

Kwaku's Baptism

Kwaku was baptized Saturday and it was a really nice baptism. His friend, Mark came to support. We thought his family was going to come but Kwaku said his mom got a bit annoyed when he brought it up and she said she didn't want to come. He was a bit disappointed but was excited to be baptized.

He received a beautiful confirmation and ordination to the priesthood blessing. In it, it talked about receiving a patriarchal blessing and going on a mission! We got in contact with the Bishop in San Fransisco so that he will have some contact there and receive the new member lessons! He has such faith and strength especially in the Restoration of the Gospel and I hope that he can be a shining light and example to his friends here and in San Fransisco.

He also received his temple recommend and so we are going to the temple with him this Wednesday morning!

I love to see the temple

I am so thankful for the temple and the blessings that we can receive there. It truly is the way that we can strive to Endure to the End. We need the blessings of the temple and I especially love the spirit that is present! 

We were also able to go to the temple this last week with our recent converts to do baptisms. I was overwhelmed with the happiness I felt as each of them were sitting in the chapel, in their white jumpsuits, waiting to perform the ordinances for those who had passed away. They are all such wonderful and amazing examples to me! 

I love to see the temple.

I'm going there someday

To feel the Holy Spirit,

To listen and to pray.

For the temple is a house of God,

A place of love and beauty.

I'll prepare myself while I am young;

This is my sacred duty.

I love to see the temple.

I'll go inside someday.

I'll cov'nant with my Father;

I'll promise to obey.

For the temple is a holy place

Where we are sealed together.

As a child of God, I've learned this truth:

A fam'ly is forever.

Love y'all! 

Sister Loo

Temple with the ward and Viet for the first time! :)

Texas storms are the best!

FHE

Lesson at the temple with Kwaku

Fried pickles. 

The shack burger resort with Natasha! Reminded me of Portland  

The Hanna Banana =

1/2 lb of beef on a pretzel bun with sauteed bananas, banana chips,

deep fried onion strings, thai peanut butter sauce,

and spicy asian sauce.

With other stuff I can't even remember what all was on it.

It was an explosion of flavors!

More at the Shack!

Exchanges with Sister Sheldon 

Biking on the golf course!

Kwaku's baptism

Pillowcases from Julia! She is the sweetest!

3 Lessons, 5 Baptismal Dates

In Memory of Kristin

This last week Sister King and I were able to go to Kristin's funeral. She is a wonderful lady in my last area that had stage 4 breast cancer. We would go and paint our nails and tell her about our missionary experiences. She was pretty much our mission mom in that area. I love her so much but know that she is in a better place. 

She was the only member in her family and set such a great example for them. She still does. The spirit at the service was amazing and many that were there to were not members of the church. They noticed a difference and we were able to talk to them about what Kristin believed in. Her Uncle and Aunt were the cutest though. The Aunt said to me, "The love in a Mormon church is unbelievable! You just can't find that anywhere else." We invited them to come to church and they knew exactly where the chapel was in their little town in Pennsylvania. I know that Kristin is with them and helping them find the truth.

It was so great to be with Sister King again for a couple hours! It reminded me of so many great memories! I love that girl to pieces!

The spirit teaches & testifies.

We were able to meet with Aieliaria this week and talk about The Gospel of Jesus Christ. The spirit is so strong when we meet with her. She has such a desire to find the truth and the spirit testifies to her when she does. 

As we were talking with her I was so impressed by the spirit to tell her how much Heavenly Father loves her and is proud of her. How he wants her to know that she is making the right decision. 

We asked her to pray about a date to be baptized. We told her the dates and that we know that she would even be prepared to be baptized next week. She looked at us through tears and said, "Really?! You think so?" and we both responded, "YES! We definitely think so." 

It was such a special experience. We were trying to get her to come to the YSA ward but she really enjoys the family ward. So the sisters there will start teaching her! But I am so excited for her to be baptized! 

She told us yesterday at church that she told her mom that she found a church that she really likes and wants to get baptized in. And her mom said, "But Aieliaria, you are a Lutheran. We are Lutherans." She bore a simple testimony to her and that she felt she was old enough to make her own decisions. She was scared that her mom would have been angry at her. But her mom was actually really proud of her and told her that it would be alright! Wow! What a blessing!

Anne Frank, Tupoc & the Plan of Salvation

Had probably the funniest lesson on the Plan of Salvation with three black girls, Edwana, Kiara, and Tamara! We were talking about the spirit world and how everyone goes there after we die and those that weren't baptized on Earth will be taught the gospel.

We talked about the importance of baptism. Edwana stops us, "Hold up. What is the correct way that we need to be baptized cuz I mean I don't want to mess this up. I don't want to get up there and realize I did it wrong." 

We read Matthew 3 about when Jesus Christ is baptized and talked about the importance of being baptized with the priesthood authority, being fully immersed in the water, and then receiving the Gift of the Holy ghost after baptism. 

We invited them to be baptized on August 30th. They accepted and we encouraged them to truly pray about it. They are a little sad because they really like their church. I hope that they will come to church and feel the spirit. Please pray for them that they will receive a direct answer as to the truthfulness of the gospel! 

Other funny moments in the lesson:

We were talking about the Resurrection... 

Edwana says under her breath... "It gonna be packed." and then a few seconds later after it sinks in... a little louder... "It gonna be packed. Everyone comes back?! Even the people from the 1800's?!" 

"Yes." We respond. "Everyone."

"Ooh girl! You mean, I get to meet that girl that was hiding from the Nazi's and then they got her."

Me: "Anne Frank?"

"Yeah! Oh I knew I was gonna meet her! Ooh I'm so excited... I get to meet Tupoc..." and then lists a couple more people. 

We are all just cracking up laughing at this point at her and she says, "Oh I hope that God has a sense of humor. Man, I don't want to go to the spirit world and he is all serious. I mean, I might tell him a joke and I hope he gets it. But he might tell me.... Woah there Edwana... too far." haha. It was so funny.

Social Media Missionary Work

On Monday, a member's sister, Paige, brought her friend Kwaku (Cway-koo) to FHE. Paige had posted a picture of her with a Book of Mormon on Instagram with her testimony and he commented on it saying that he would love to learn more! He had a received a Book of Mormon from friends in high school but now just started being interested in the church. 

He prayed to ask if he should pursue learning about the Book of Mormon and he got a strong impression that he should! So we met twice this week and he accepted to be baptized on August 16th. He leaves for school in San Francisco on the 20th so we wanted him to be baptized before then! 

He is just soaking up everything and already has done much researching for himself on lds.org. He said at his old Methodist church they used to tell them about "The Mormons" but none of what they told him was true! He has a strong testimony of Joseph Smith and he loves coming to church and learning because he said he didn't get that at his other church.

So... if you want to do some missionary work follow Paige's example and see what happens!

Love this gospel! Love y'all!

We were Heart Attacked by some members of our ward!

Perfect timing because that day our AC decided not to work... again.

Whataburger Patty Melt

(2 beef patties, 2 slices of swiss cheese, Jalapeno Sauce, and grilled onions

between 2 slices of Texas Toast)...

As in the words of Kwaku, "The best way to ruin the rest of your day."

We had to try it though. It was SO good but then he was right...

we felt awful the rest of the day. 

Another Pday Donut Run!